Ketchikan is one of the best places to visit in Alaska to see and learn about totem poles. Americas northernmost town offers the longest days and nights in the country. 13 Most Picturesque Towns In Alaska You Must Visit Thank you! Temperatures warm up in May, but this is the break-up season and the rivers are impassable because of ice flows. Learn more about Alaskas Native cultures at the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. What a bummer. One of the best places to visit is the Homer Spit, a long, narrow strip of land jutting out into the bay. .And, added bonus? Shortly after the solstice, the Midnight Sun Festival takes place. Its a place that some people love and that some people love to hate since its packed to the gills with tourists all throughout the summer. Airplane*. Built during World War II to speed up shipping and transportation to the Soviet Union. Alaskas largest city is the best place to start your Alaska adventure. 17 Best Places to Visit in Alaska | U.S. News Travel Media often depicts this state as a wild, remote place. 30 Amazing Places to Visit in Alaska (National Parks & More) As Alaskas largest city, Anchorage is the first stop for almost all travelers to the Last Frontier. We specialize in Alaska's top travel destinations such as Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks, as well as Alaska's most popular national parks including Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Also, leave time to visit the Stka National Historical Park (walk past 18 totems on the Totem Trail and see an authentic,Tlingit fort), explore the Sheldon Jackson Museum (a small amalgamation of indigenous artifacts housed in a concrete building from 1895), see the recovering birds at the Alaska Raptor Center (its a 17-acre animal hospital of sorts for birds of prey), and see all the marine life at the Sitka Science Center (it houses five aquariums and several touch tanks for kids). Random Fact of the Day: This town is so wild and crazy that in 1997, they elected a cat named Stubbs as the local mayor. Its one of the best places to visit in Alaska if you want to feel the absolute grandeur of Alaskas northern nature. The town served as the capital of the Russian colonies in America before the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia. Yup, its an awesome place that is brimming over with exhibits that feature traditional crafts, replicas of indigenous homes, and even dance stages where you can see live performances. Effective/Applicability Date. The controlled environment makes this one of the best places to visit in Alaska for a safe and easy bear-viewing experience. Search. Sitkas Fortress of the Bear provides a similar experience with Alaskas brown bears. Dont let the small size of Ketchikan fool you theres a lot to do and see here! The Jazz Bistro offers a splash of Cuban and Latin-American cuisine in the far north. Amber Van Wort June 20 2023 in Places. Because that just about wraps up this wicked awesome post about all of the best towns in Alaska! For another step back in time, join a tour along the Chena River on an old-fashioned riverboat. Getting To & Around Alaska by Plane - Travel Alaska - Official State of Alaska Winter Vacations - Alaska Vacations & Travel Advice from Trusted A first class city is a city with more than 400 permanent residents. With the Gastineau Channel to the west and mountains and glaciers to the east, the city is a tapestry of breathtaking terrain and biodiversity. The town has a parade . And if you found this post helpful, then definitely pin it now so that you can come back to it later! Afterward, recover from your beyond glorious food coma at Kodiak Compass Suites. The Most Beautiful Towns in Alaska, US - Culture Trip Otherwise, you could always pop into Beak Restaurant and get a giant order of mac and cheese with reindeer meat or cedar plank salmon (the weekend donuts are good too) before calling it a night at Eagle Bay Inn. Its absolutely overflowing with expert advice on what to see, do, and eat in all of the best towns in Alaska making this the perfect resource for planning the ideal, Alaska itinerary. Not to be confused with the man, the myth, the coffeeJuan Valdez, Valdez is one of the best towns in Alaska that was first founded by prospectors looking for gold way back in ye olde 1897. Anchorage. It's a great time to visit. The airport has a terminal for the Alaska Railroad, which makes it easy to access several of the best places to visit in Alaska. It features a ton of local art, has an outdoor beer garden that overlooks a glacial stream, and includes live musical performances in a gorgeous forest setting. Situated in southeastern Alaska, the climate here stays mild year-round. Learn how your comment data is processed. Grizzlies and brown bears are the same species. Because while youre in one of the best towns in Alaska, you can go for a dip in the Chena Hot Springs, join an ATV tour, visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North (Youll learn all about the history of every region in the state and can see amazing artwork in the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery), go bird watching at Creamers Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, and experience all that theMorris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has to offer. Rooms here are also well-priced (under $130 per night), contain beautiful antique furniture, and feature cable TV, wifi, coffeemakers, clawfoot tubs (if youre lucky), and a sumptuous breakfast spread. One of the best places to visit in Alaska for glaciers. The mountains and forests here offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and rafting. Quickly learn major transportation options, how long each takes, whether you need a car in certain . Finding out how to get between towns has been one of the hardest parts of planning an Alaska vacation--but no longer! Mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and more await you on your Alaska adventure. 11 Best Places to Visit in Alaska that Will Take Your Breath Away Today, travelers can retrace this epic feat of engineering. Its a nice, 4-star hotel in the area with friendly staff and rooms that start at $144 per night, including a full English breakfast! Anchorage is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for museums. Where should I fly to for an Alaska vacation? Alaska Wasilla. Consider traveling here in summer, one of the best times to visit Alaska. Juneau is a hub for exploring southeastern Alaska. Seward has several noteworthy attractions of its own. For those interested in hiking, theres much more to see and much closer looks to be had! The best places to visit in Alaska are Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Inside Passage, and the Kenai Fjords. Are you in search of the best places to visit in Alaska? Although, if youre not feeling quite that adventurous, you could always: Afterward, spend a night or two in the House on the Rock B & B. Its easily the best place to stay in town and has four Alaska-inspired rooms that come with cable TV, wifi, and a comfy queen bed. Art; Autos; Beauty; Design; . A statistic that is slightly off-putting to someone like me one absolutely hates crowds. What did you like about this post? One unique aspect of a glacier trek is the possibility of filling your water bottle with frigid, pure glacial water. Best Places to Stay. Pro Tip: Not into crepes? Katmai National Park sits across the sea to the northwest of Kodiak Island. And if you need a great place to stay, try The Voyager Inn! I'm so glad you found this post useful. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Chitina. If youre looking to get off the beaten path without roughing it too much, Juneau is a great hub for visiting smaller towns in Alaska. North Americas highest peak towers over the Alaskan tundra. When not road-tripping around the western United States, hes probably enjoying some lively Irish tunes in a Dublin pub or wandering the winding streets of Old Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia. Matthew Reppond is a freelance writer and history nerd from Alaska, currently residing in eastern Washington. Juneau is one of the best towns in Alaska because its not only the capital but it also has a ton of amazing things to offer visitors of every variety. Mount Denali (once called Mount McKinley) towers into the sky, visible from many miles away. Best Things To Do in Fairbanks, Alaska | Tours, Trails & Attractions Google Maps | Browse Juneau Hotels on Booking. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. 15 Best Places to Visit in Alaska (2023) Fun & Unique! As a born-and-raised Alaskan, Im here to help you find the best places to visit in Alaska for your trip! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This guide covers some incredible destinations for your Alaska bucket list - from parks to cities and more! Winter gives way to activities such as cross-country skiing and dog sledding. Twelve miles north of the city, Mendenhall Glacier, famed for its ice caves, inches its way towards the sea. These 50 best places to visit in Alaska will blow you away! The Perfect 7-Day Alaska Itinerary - Affordable luxury travel, food and The Sitka National Historic Park (also known as Totem Park) features a collection of totem poles. Therefore, its an extremely well-located property with rustic feeling rooms that include wifi, cable, coffeemakers, and harbor views. The Inupiat Heritage Center preserves the heritage of the local Inupiat people who braved this remote land for centuries. Built in 1842, it served as the residence for the local prelate of the Orthodox Church. However, other than exploring nearby Denali, you can also check out Talkeetna Riverside Park, embrace the macabre at Talkeetna Cemetery, visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, and have a drink at the historic Fairview Inn. Expect to see it in the next few days! Its also known for its salmon fishing industry and itsrich Haida and Tlingit history. They are also often aggressive, so always maintain a respectful distance. Should I visit a small town when I'm traveling to Alaska? There are also a ton of great restaurants here that serve nothing but the freshest seafood and organic produce, including Orso. Take an epic road trip to or from the Lower 48 on this highway. the state's capital city of Juneau sees an average of 23 inches in the month of January . Other highlights of the area include the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and the Misty Fjords National Monument. There are also a ton of outdoor activities awaiting visitors in both summer and winter. 25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska - VacationIdea.com Its a relaxed, affordable hotel (around $150 per night) with unassuming, clean rooms that include all the comforts of home. A place where you can routinely expect the unexpected from many of the best towns in Alaska. The gargantuan glacier gets its vivid blue color from how light refracts off of the unique structure of its ice crystals. The waters around the city are great for whale watching tours. Meaning riverside food cache in English, Talkeetna is a mecca of sorts for mountain climbers, tourists, and crunchy Alaskans who want to get out there and enjoy all that nearby Denali has to offer. One Week Alaska Travel Itinerary - TripSavvy - Vacation Like a Pro Though, the forests, mountains, and islands here are perfect for hiking, kayaking, and camping. Best Places to Visit in Alaska 2023: Must-See Views and Landmarks Another noteworthy attraction is the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Since then though, the tiny town of Valdez hasnt had an easy time of it. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). Whatever the time of year, Talkeetna is a great place to use as a hub for visiting Denali National Park. Explore ice caverns in southeast Alaskas most famous glacier. Here is a list of the best places to stay in Alaska to help you find great hotels along the way. Also, because its a historic railroad town, its easily accessible via car, boat, and train from many other places in Alaska making it an ideal stop addition to any Alaska itinerary you may be planning. Take the Tramway to the top of Mount Roberts for a great birds-eye view of the city. Google Maps | Kenai Fjords Website | Browse Kenai Fjords Hotels on Booking. We look at some of the most beautiful towns in a state whose natural wonders have no equal. Many visitors regard Ketchikan as the prettiest city to visit in Alaska. Your email address will not be published. Upon arrival, take in all that this tiny town has to offer, including giant mountains, expansive glaciers, and a laid-back vibe that may leave you feeling like you want to spend the night at the next-level swank, Alyeska Resort. Cordova has a migratory bird festival every May. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Why You Should Visit This Place Wondering what to do in Alaska for an unforgettable vacation? You can also visit The Pratt Museum (a mix of native American art and mesmerizing interactive displays on local wildlife), The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (I like the reconstructed seabird colony), the Norman Lowell Studio (a cool art gallery but there are a ton of them here), and the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (they run a neat Yurt on the Spit tour at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm daily that talks about all of the cool creatures that live at the dock). Other great activities in Fairbanks include dog sledding and snowmobiling tours of the surrounding area. Fairbanks is probably one of the most iconic towns in Alaska and one of the most romantic getaways in the USA. Whats a nice person like you doing in a place like this? This small town in southeast Alaska is one of the best places to visit in Alaska to learn about the states gold rush days. Google Maps | Chena Hot Springs Website | Browse Chena Hot Springs Hotels on Booking. You can take it all in from the deck of a luxurious cruise ship. The Alaska Sealife Center offers visitors a unique glance into the lives of Alaskas diverse marine wildlife. Come on our virtual tour of the top 10 best places to visit in Alaska for unforgettable vacation ideas. The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. And that makes sense since most flights to this beyond epic state will drop you off, boop, right in Anchorage. (Getty Images) The vast wilderness, spectacular landscapes and. . As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Looking for one of the best towns in Alaska that has totally sold itself out to the tourism industry? Please see my disclosure for more information. Alaskas cities and towns offer plenty of great attractions, too. Fairbanks owes its existence to the gold fever that descended on the Tanana Valley. Some of the finest hotels in Alaska are here, offering stunning views from their rooms. Its not an uber-posh hotel but its one of the more affordable places in the area since it offers comfortable but modern, unassuming rooms. Read Next: 11 Best Places to Live in Alaska. Grizzly denotes the bears living inland. If you're looking for extreme remote wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the place to go. Al in Anchorage. Because not only did the second strongest earthquake in recorded history decimate the area in 1964 but the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 systematically annihilated the areas entire natural ecosystem. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. And it's nice to be away from the busyness of the big cities, where sometimes it can feel like you're not even in Alaska, just another big city. Is that not enough Juneau awesomeness for you? For a smaller city, Anchorage has a diverse dining scene. Because this tiny town just outside of Fairbanks (its a short 15-minute drive away) is absolutely overflowing with vibrant Christmas decorations that are always on display even in the summer! So yeah, be prepared to do battle with the masses as you explore the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land that reaches out into Kachemak Bay. Local restaurants serve hearty grub and local shops offer artisan crafts and souvenirs. A special reunion stirs thoughts of bravery and gratitude, and Temperatures are warmer and more stable, and the weather is a bit more predictable in general during the summer months. Although located just 100 miles away from Anchorage, the park can only be reached by boat or by plane. So, What's the Best Place to Visit in Alaska? 17 Best Places to Visit in Alaska - Trips To Discover Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. The climate is mild most of the year, too. Pro Tip: The long daylight hours in summer can make getting to sleep tricky for some people. Google Maps | Browse Talkeetna Hotels on Booking. Rooms here are also fairly informal but includefree Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, living rooms, and start at just under $120 per night. Browse Prince William Sound Hotels on Hotels.com, Browse Wrangell-St. Elias Hotels on Booking, Browse Chena Hot Springs Hotels on Booking. This park is one of the best places to visit in Alaska if you want a less crowded look at the 49th states natural beauty. Historical re-enactments, parades, a period costume ball, and much more mark the festive day. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, but at only around 400,000 people in the metropolitan area, it is still decidedly small. The cool thing about Girdwood is that its only about 37 miles away from Anchorage. As a result, it was reconstructed into this uber-chill, modern town that reminds me a bit of Bend, Oregon. TheCoolist is a mood board for your headspace. In the summer months, the days are extra long, so you can stay out and about well into the evening (incidentally, this makes summer the best season to visit Alaska too). The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park also has a man-made attractionthe Kennecott Mines. Alaska Airlines Debuts Flights to Bahamas | Florida Travel + Life This helps the Kodiak brown bears to bulk up more than their landlocked cousins. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. For an optimal visit to Alaska, plan on going between May and September. This makes it much more accessible than some of Alaskas other wildernesses. The Fortress of the Bear offers a similar experience, but with brown bears. City Sightseeing Tours Jetboat & Riverboat Tours Northern Lights Tours View All Things to Do. Other fun things to do in Fairbanks include: And when youre finally all tuckered out, spend the night at The Alaska Heritage House Bed and Breakfast. Nom, nom, nom. Alaska's Top Destinations | Cities, Towns, & Parks However, its a great place to visit if you want to understand what real Alaska is like and if you want to see brown bears, brown bears, and, oh yeah, more brown bears. Therefore, you could easily hop on theAlyeska Highway, take it to mile 90, and then hop on the Seaward Highway, eventually exiting at Girdwood after about a 45-minute drive. The 11 Best small towns in Pennsylvania To Chill Out. Here are the best places to visit in Alaska, including Denali, Glacier Bay and Mendenhall Ice Caves. Its an awesome little guest house in a quiet part of Skagway that is still within talking distance of all the areas major attractions. book an awesome 6-hour wildlife cruise to nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, canoe tour of Mendenhall Lake and see Mendenhall Glacier, this late-night, authentic, Alaskan dinner in a yurt with Northern Lights tour, take a day trip to Arctic Circle from Fairbanks. Therefore, stop dreaming and start living the Alaska trip of a lifetime with this amazing resource on all of the best towns in Alaska places that you should 110% visit right now! 12 Most Charming Small Towns in Alaska (with Map) - Touropia Travel Guides At 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest of Americas national parks. of the town. Exhibits cover everything from prehistory to modern times. You don't want to miss a chance to see this knockout in action, so go check out Jem Wolfie today. Gold Panning Tours & Gold Rush History. If you love skiing, snowboarding, or just staying cozy indoors, the Alyeska Resort south of Anchorage is one of the best places to visit in Alaska. You could also go hiking, take a ride on the Alyeska Resort tram up to the ski resort (they have a nice ride and dine option that includes a tram ticket and a meal at the Bore Tide Deli for $39), explore historic Crow Creek Mine (learn how to pan for gold or camp here overnight),or admire some local art at Girdwood Center for Visual Arts. Getting Around Alaska. All manner of wildlife calls the area of the park home, from bald eagles to sea otters to several species of whales. The easiest way to reach the park is by charter plane or boat. 27 Best Places to Visit in Alaska (in 2023) - Travel Lemming Home rule cities are incorporated cities that are allowed certain decision-making privileges by the states Constitution. The Best Time To Visit Alaska - Alaska Vacations & Travel Advice from On the flip side, midsummer sees a full 24 hours of daylight. One such attraction is the Only Fools Run at Midnight race which starts at 12 AM every June 24th. Three mountain ranges converge here. When not road-tripping around the western United States, hes probably enjoying some lively Irish tunes in a Dublin pub or wandering the winding streets of Old Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia. Kodiak The second biggest island in the United States, and Alaska's biggest island, Kodiak boasts several exciting features, making this one of the top cities to visit in Alaska. You'll experience temperatures in the 60's to low 70's, 16-24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing. What are the best places to visit in Alaska? Search. And if you dont want to spend the night at the swank Alyeska Resort (rooms are $200+ per night but awesome), you can always stay at the Highland Glen Lodge Bed and Breakfast. In researching your trip, you may see other dates mentioned: Peak season is June to August. However, if you need a break from all this holiday-inspired mayhem, then visit the Chena Lake Recreation Area, which is home to several beaches, scenic nature trails, and a few different picnic areas. Google Maps | Skagway Website | Browse Skagway Hotels on Booking. Or, just chillax at the ever-casual, AJs Oldtown Steakhouse and Tavern, which serves some of the best steaks and freshest seafood in town. Black bears, brown bears, and caribou, along with many other species, call Lake Clark National Park home. The ease of access makes the Matanuska Glacier one of the best places to visit Alaska if glaciers pique your interest. Alyeska, offering stunning views along the way. We stayed approx. Because this natural, green mountain oasis is filled with salmon a tasty treat for these next-level enormous bears love and has a tiny northeastern corner that is basically the only settlement in the area that is aptly named Kodiak. Summer evening aerial view of downtown Fairbanks Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. If youre looking for hiking trails, the Juneau area has over 60 to choose from! Its actually a really neat place that wasfirst built in 1923 to cater to travelers who were going from Seward to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad. Its also reasonably priced and has a down-home feel to it that makes it seem as though youre staying with family only better since the staff is super nice, the rooms are exceptionally clean, and theres even a cookie jar with fresh cookies every single day. Alaska Tourism - Tangle Lakes. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Alaska has a wealth of must-see attractions and experiences. Known as The Last Frontier, the 50th and largest of the U.S. states is home to some of the most breathtaking views, rich cultural history, and unforgettable wildlife. Ketchikans charming Creek Street area stands built on pillars over Ketchikan Creek. Brimming over with historic, gold rush town grandeur (thanks to all the vintage, false-fronted buildings in the area), Skagway is a premier destination for more than one million cruise ship passengers who walk along these iconic boardwalks every, single year. 1. Want to come to Alaska in August. Also be aware that in the summer months, if you see nothing else, you will see mosquitos, so come prepared. One can still see a wide variety of wildlife here, such as humpback whales, orcas, and puffins. If you've wondering where to live in Alaska, Thrillist has the Ultimate Travel Guide To Juneau! If you want to experience the milder southeast, Juneau is the place to go! Spanning 7.5 million acres, its also the second-largest national park in America. 13 Best Towns to Visit in Alaska By Diana Hubbell Last updated: May 4th, 2023 While the state is best known for its connection to nature, its mountains and wildlife, the best towns in Alaska have their own distinctive charm. There are nineteen first class cities in Alaska. Time to Celebratethe Best Places To See Fourth of July Fireworks in Every State in 2023! Denali National Park is one of the best places to visit in Alaska for getting a taste of Alaskas majestic natural beauty. 1. While the cities, such as Anchorage and Juneau, have a lot to offer visitors, the best places to visit in Alaska are found in the wilderness. And just in case youre wondering, I mean that in the BEST possible way. McKinley)! Some tours here last for a week, and, given how huge the park is, just scratch the surface. So, expect to find a ton of gift shops, climbing outfitters, laid-back restaurants, and historic saloons in this funky little mountain town. Pro Tip: There arent a ton of places to stay here but you can always try The Reluctant Fisherman Inn. Because you know me, Im all about the free food. Sitka offers the best glimpses into Alaskas Russian heritage. However, if you can get past the almost amusement-park-like facade of one of the best towns in Alaska, youll discover a uniquely wonderful place that was first established after the 1898 gold rush, when more than 40,000 people flocked here in an attempt to, strike it rich. One of the common myths about Alaska is that it stays dark all the time in winter.